Gourdon Reviews

I’ve been using the 25l for my daily commute for over a year now and it’s the dog’s knees (or is that the bee’s balls)! I cycle/run an 8 mile round trip and this bag is just awesome for the following reasons:
- holds all the essentials comfortably (laptop in sleeve, work clothes/shoes, washbag, towel, sandwiches) without rubbing
- is properly weatherproof so am guaranteed that everything inside comes out in the same condition it went in
- surprisingly tough - I’ve went on my arse a few times on the bike in the snow/ice and no rips yet
- sufficiently bright that cars can see it in the dusk and not knock you off your bike unintentionally
All in all, for the price, this bag is an utter bargain and I would consider it an essential commuter item

*Note* I owned the 30L, but it was a nightmare - too long and cut the back off me when running.

I bought a red Gourdon 20 rucksack ages ago and I’ve lost track of the amount of people who have stopped me and asked me where I got it from – I should be on commission! I have battered this little rucksack and it is still completely waterproof and has no rips, tears or nicks – it’s fantastic.  It regularly gets dragged along to muddy rugby pitches and stuffed full of first aid kit, hauled round endurance mountain bike races and was the family rucksack on a beach this summer. It proved it worth at keeping sand out of the expensive electrical goods.

I can’t fault the product and it’s a price that can’t be beaten – trust me, I’ve looked. In addition, you get the now legendary Alpkit customer service. I just hope and pray they keep their feet on the ground and don’t turn into one of those faceless companies I’ll cross the road to avoid.

Well done Alpkit!

Best day bag around, smart, comfortable, weatherproof.

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Bought on a whim. Looking for a ‘proper’ rucksack to use as a daysack, maybe overnight use, saw the 25L Stealthy Gourdon and thought ‘why not, it’s only £20’ Fantastic buy. Big enough for both uses. Also means I can strap it to my cycle rack and go off for a walk without lugging panniers about. Really wish it had a couple of loops, or something, either side of the body, to secure straps/bungees to so that won’t ride up - but that’s a tiny point. Downside - i wish I had waited until the 30L version had been in stock, but when it is, I will get one of those as well. 10/10

Just ordered a replacement for my first Gourdon 20 litre. It has lasted 19 months of use. Or to put it bluntly it has had over82 weekends of use (some weekends without use but also got used as a commuting bag for a few months 3 to 5 times a week plus twice on a weekend). Basically I’ve tested it good a proper.

SO here’s the failings -
The mesh pockets have ripped in numerous places but somehow still hold stuff like cereal bars, compass, wrappers, etc without loss.
The strap that is within the roll top closure bit snapped due to fatigue where It bent round to clip shut and the toggles hold it down. It still worked so no problem.
The final nail in the coffin is the fabric on the front or back (away from the strap side) wetsout then completely leaks. I could have carried on with it by making usre I put it down on dry ground like all the other sacks I use but chose to get a new one in black.

Conclusion - it won’t last forever or even as long as more mainstream makers but it will earn its £20.

Request 1 - MAke the 25 and 30 with bungee cords on front and for compresson
request 2 - Use better mesh if possible, it is not durable.
Request 3 - If above is not possible don’t change it as it basically works.

Had a stealth version since they were first launched. The stitching of one shoulder strap gave way within a few days - but you repaired that for me by return. Since then it gets used motorbike commuting (65miles round trip) every day. Still going strong and completely waterproof - if/when it ever does wear out, it will get replaced by the same again. Stunning piece of kit.
Denzil

To update a previous review, I can confirm that the Gourdon 20 is good for flying (if Customs want to search your bag it’s easy to tip things out and stuff them back in, and it works fine in the x-ray machine). It’s also OK for even the smallest overhead locker.

I tested this bag in Ireland and it resists even the most persistent Irish rain. This autumn I’ve been able to stop getting my back wet from spray when commuting on a mountain bike with no mudguards (bike manufacturers these days, eh?)... simply by using it as a sort of mudguard. And all my textbooks were dry!

If it wears out, which it has every right to, given how I’ve used it, I will buy another one. Unbeatable. Everyone loves it too.

Thanks.

I have the Stealthy 25L and boy what a rucksack. He looks smart on my back never grumbles and is a joy to wear. He keeps all my stuff dry all the time too. At ALton Towers I got laughed at for carrying him, and called Bear Grylls??? But who never lost their phone or keys? On the mountain weart and tear is brilliant. I’ve gone through some tights spaces and done some good scrammbling and he’s stood up to the test everytime.

I really reccomend one as a day bag, the 25L has loads of room too more than you think compared to my mates 25L, more expensive ones

Just used my Gourdon 20 on the Rab Mountain Marathon, no complaints at all - seems well made, everything fit in, drink in one side, waterproof in the other, tiny roll mat in the bungees, all kit was dry and very stable to run with even when full, load is very close fit which helps. Got the bright orange one so I can use on my motorbike as well - for 20 quid it’s seriously an absolute bargain!!